Deadline to shape up fast approaching for Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma

With a city-imposed deadline fast approaching, Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma and the city don’t appear to be any closer to a deal regarding the future management of the landmark castle.

The mayor, some councillors,and city staff expressed frustration at last month’s council, saying Kiwanis has not made more progress on its contract obligations to fix up Casa Loma's interior.

City council voted July 7 to give Kiwanis until the end of the month to agree in writing to four key issues:establish a staff working group, have the castle’s board meet monthly, develop a financial plan and remove the current board chair Richard Wozenilek.

In a statement sent to the Town Crier July 29, Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma said they are asking the city for an independent mediator.

“While we do not agree with any of the city’s unfounded allegations, we look forward to getting on with the dispute resolution process in good faith,” read the statement.

In the letter, the Kiwanis Club indicated it has also prepared its own list of concerns about the city's conduct which they would like addressed a dispute resolution process.

On top of that, Kiwanis said they are standing by the board chair Wozenilek, whom the mayor has already asked be removed.

“The Kiwanis Club continues to maintain its full support behind Mr. Wozenilek as Chair of the Casa Loma Board, and it understands the members of the Board also fully support him,” stated Kiwanis.

But the city is steadfast in its position to stay the course.

“We are still working with city council’s directive that gives Kiwanis until the end of the month,” city spokesperson Patricia Trott said July 29.

Kiwanis has until the end of day July 31 to agree to council’s directive.

If they don’t, the city will consider canceling the current 20-year contract to manage the castle.

Kiwanis has overseen the city asset since 1937.